Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Vice- Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), retired Court of Appeal Judge Mbarouk Salim Mbarouk, has called on registration officers, assistant clerks and biometric equipment operators stationed in Zanzibar’s correctional facilities to strictly adhere to commission’s guidelines during the upcoming voter registration exercise.
Justice Mbarouk delivered the message while opening a three-day workshop held at Dr Shein Hall in the ZURA building, Maisara.
The workshop, organised by INEC, is preparing personnel for voter registration in correctional facilities across Unguja and Pemba.
This registration initiative follows recent amendments to the Electoral Act, which allow inmates serving sentences of six months or less, along with remandees and detainees held for less than six months, to vote in the upcoming General Election but only for the Union President.
Justice Mbarouk stressed the importance of meticulous implementation of INEC procedures during the national registration period, scheduled from June 28 to July 4, across both mainland prisons and Zanzibar’s correctional training centres.
“It is your responsibility to strictly follow the provided guidelines and procedures to ensure your work is done efficiently and effectively,” he stated.
He noted the critical role played by assistant clerks and biometric device operators in ensuring voter data is accurately captured and securely stored.
The training combines both theoretical and practical components, covering registration form procedures, use of the Voter Registration System (VRS) and hands-on instruction with the tools required during the exercise.
Justice Mbarouk urged participants to handle all equipment with care and assured them of continued support from INEC officials throughout the process.
Commending the selected personnel, he expressed confidence in their competence and professionalism.
“I believe each of you will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform your duties effectively during the registration process,” he said.
Director of INEC’s Zanzibar office, Mr Adam Juma Mkina said the training aims to prepare officials to register eligible detainees within correctional institutions and training centres.
He explained that the initiative targets inmates with sentences of no more than six months and remandees, both on the mainland and in Zanzibar.
According to Mkina, the registration will be carried out in 130 centres on the mainland and ten centres in Zanzibar.
In line with legal stipulations, eligible inmates may cast only one vote for the Union President.
“This is a nationwide exercise and the total number of registrants will only be known after the process concludes, as inmate populations are fluid due to legal proceedings and transfers,” he noted.
Mr Mkina added that under the 2024 election law, individuals released before election day will still have an opportunity to vote for the president.
A provision allows them to apply to vote at a polling station different from their original registration centre, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
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